Engineering

Power Switching Semiconductors - Gas Turbine Systems Technician 2nd Class Rondell Bethelmy makes speed adjustments from the propulsion plant auxiliary control console aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer

Power Switching Semiconductors: Thyristors, IGBTs, GTOs, SIDACs & Wide-Bandgap Devices Explained (2026) – Part 2

July 15, 2026July 16, 2026
Design, Education, Electronics, Engineering, Historical, Industry, Innovation, Stage & Theatre, Technology

Discover the world of power switching semiconductors: from thyristors and TRIACs that powered my first disco sound-to-light system, to modern IGBTs, GTOs, SIDACs, and wide-bandgap (SiC/GaN) devices. Part 2 explores their applications in industrial motor drives, renewable energy inverters, EVs, and switchgear. Learn advantages, disadvantages, timelines, popular components, and critical safety warnings when working with 230V mains power. Essential reading for electronics enthusiasts and professionals.

China's Auto Giants - BYD factory in Thailand

China’s Auto Giants in South Africa: Double-Dipping, Factory Closures & the Crisis Unfolding Now (2026) – Part 2

July 10, 2026July 10, 2026
Automotive, Business, Companies, Engineering, Historical, Industry, Manufacture, Technology

China’s auto makers are disrupting South Africa’s industry with aggressive imports and local assembly plays. Part 1 & 2 cover British lessons, Eastern Cape closures (Goodyear, ContiTech, ZF), tariffs crushing Mercedes/Ford engines, NUMSA’s role, and why education + Transnet failures make recovery tough. Real talk on rising from the ashes.

The Ghost in the Machine: Why Your Kipor Generator Is Still Very Much Alive

June 26, 2026June 26, 2026
Agriculture, Automotive, Companies, Engineering, Industry, Technology

Kipor generators like the KDE6700 are still common in South Africa despite the Honda patent battles. Discover the real history, why they didn’t truly disappear, where to get spares locally, and practical advice for owners. The factory never stopped — here’s how to keep yours running.

NTSC PAL SECAM television standards - Museum für Kommunikation - Depot Heusenstamm - Technik 12

Why NTSC PAL SECAM Television Standards Existed – A Complete History and Technical Breakdown

June 16, 2026
AM FM USB Transmitters, Audio, Design, Education, Electronics, Engineering, Historical, Innovation, Technology

Discover why NTSC PAL SECAM television standards were created, their technical differences, and South Africa’s late adoption of the advanced PAL-I system in 1976. A complete history with timelines, block diagrams, maths, and the shift to digital broadcasting.

Two Stroke Engines: How They Work, History, Icons & Why They Smell So Good

June 4, 2026June 4, 2026
Agriculture, Automotive, Aviation, Engineering, Marine, Motorcycles, Technology, Transportation

Two Stroke Engines – Dugald Clerk (The “Clerk Cycle”) Two-stroke engines delivered explosive performance in a simple, lightweight package. Here’s a complete look at their…

Koeberg Emergency Preparedness Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant

Koeberg Emergency Preparedness: Are Cape Town Residents Ready for a Real Incident?

May 31, 2026May 31, 2026
Communications, Education, Engineering, Historical, Industry, Power, Technology

Koeberg emergency preparedness is regularly tested with sirens, but how ready are ordinary Cape Town residents for a real nuclear incident? Lessons from Chernobyl, Fukushima, and Three Mile Island.